Who plays CF in '07?

[scuba]

You've got Soriano and Jones right now who could play CF. If we sign Lugo, he may be a possibility. Roberts and Lofton are still out there. Who do you guys think will and should play CF next year?

[Shwerve]

hasn't Roberts agreed to play with the Giants?

[Shwerve]

I think Soriano or Jones are options. I would like to see Lofton for a year (giving Pie time to prepare) This likely means Jones or Murton would be considered for a trade- but if it brings Westbrook to the northside, it would be a good idea. This way, you have Soriano and Lofton in the top of the lineup to set the table for the heavy hitters.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

I think with the recent rumor of the Cubs going after Lugo I think he may be looked at as a definate possibility for CF.

[Shwerve]

You are correct. Soriano/Lugo or Soriano/Lofton. I'm ok with that

[scuba]

My bad, shwerve. Looks like Roberts is going to the Giants.

My fear with Lugo is he hasn't played much in the OF before and to have an outfield of Murton, Lugo, and Soriano is kind of scary. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad, but not a lot of experience in the OF right there.

[Shwerve]

I'm not overly excited about Lugo in CF just like you, Scuba. It does give us an option to move him to SS next year with Pie coming in. I am clearly a dreamer, but I would love to have Crawford manning CF, but the Devil Rays are looking for too much. Even though the Sox have their own trade rumors floating about Crede/Figgins, I could see them pulling off that deal since Devil Rays are looking for starting pitching.

[Shwerve]

.....happy about the prospect of lugo just not overly excited. Didn't he beat his wife and get released from Houston?

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

I'm not real familiar with his past. But I really wish they would have resigned Pierre because all the Cubs need is a Solid outfielder for the CF spot in which Pierre can provide along with his speed and decent OBP. I just don't see anyone out there that can over produce what Pierre can give you because he is familiar with Wrigley field and already used to the day games. I'm not real favorable of any of the FA center fielders that are out there right now.

[Brutus T Manstrength]

I still contend that we don't need any more outfielders.. if we could get an amazing CF like crawford, thats one thing.. but I just don't see it happening.
We've got plenty of outfielders. Lets get us some pitching.

[scuba]

Yeah, sheff. If they want to go out and get Lugo that is fine, but play him at short and trade Izturis. I would say play Soriano in CF, and then have Murton and Jones in the corners unless you can trade Jones away and get another productive outfielder to take his place. Not sure who that would be though. Manny anyone? :p

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Manny would be a great addition to our offense, I can't even begin to imagine what a line up of Manny, Lee, Soriano, and A-Ram could produce that would be a crazy line up and wow would the pitchers hate to face that line up. I just don't see that happening because I don't think we have the pieces to get him and even if we do I think Hendry would feel he would have to give up to much to get him. I would hope they could prove me wrong cause I would love to see Manny in our line up.

[Brutus T Manstrength]

what do you think they're looking to get for manny?

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Well I believe they want a Shortstop, another outfielder and I b elieve they would want a pitcher. We have all the pieces but the pitching spot thats what I think would throw the Cubs out of the scenario of getting Manny

[Brutus T Manstrength]

ok, so I'll make the trade for everyone: Iztouris, Jones, and Rusch... :)

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

I just don't see Rusch fitting there needs so as I said above I don't think they want any pitchers we have.

[scuba]

LOL!..Rusch. :D

I thought I heard before they were looking for a reliever, but I don't think Izturis, Jones, and somebody from our 'pen would get it done. If it would, you have to make that trade! I agree we need pitching though. We really need to land Schmidt in my opinion.

[Brutus T Manstrength]

honestly, I think they're just trying to dump him off.. he wants out.. and I think that if you offered them some veteran, decent players.. you'd have a shot at getting him.. and his salary.

[Brutus T Manstrength]

granted.. I'm not saying that rusch is the veteran they'd want..

[scuba]

I wonder if they would take Cotts with Izturis and Jones. Cotts can be a reliever or starter and has pretty decent stuff. I would think they would go for something like this, especially if we are taking on his salary and they are really wanting to get rid of him.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

That could actually be a possibility we have seen the Cubs make trades before that we never thought would happen so anything is possible and I could see Hendry dealing that way or even get a three team deal in line to make something happen. Scuba did you here on the Rome show about the Schilling comments about Manny?

[JordoCubs102105]

I would like to see Pagan/Pie play CF next year. I'm not too worried about the lineup it is the 3 holes in our rotation that worries me. Maybe letting Pagan and Pie fight it out in Spring Training they can learn on the job and develop into something great. I didn't think Pagan did to badly last year when he played.

[JordoCubs102105]

I would also like to see Lugo signed for SS and shop Izturis and Jones and try to get good starter out of the deal.

[scuba]

Yeah, I heard that. I just don't see how, if Schill and the rest of the team think that, he stays in Boston. I know there are rumors around him every year, but he's definitely going to be playing for someone else next year. Make it happen, Jimbo! (since you know he is looking at the board here! ;) )